Google Pledging to Bid $4.6bn to Open Spectrum

csuftech writes "According to an article posted on vnunet, Google is pledging to bid at least $4.6bn for the FCC's upcoming auction of the 700MHz spectrum. However, Google would only be willing to pay said amount if the FCC agreed to a few conditions, namely, 'the wireless spectrum would allow consumers to download and use any software apps and content they want; allow handhelds to be used with any carrier; enable resellers to acquire wireless services at wholesale costs; and mandate that third parties such as ISPs interconnect at any point on the 700 megahertz band.' All this was disclosed in a letter [PDF] to FCC president Kevin Martin written by Google CEO Eric Schmidt."

Comments

Re:I'm not a Google Fanboy, but...

[TopSpin]

Nobody should be able to buy a custom-fit government regulation tailored to their business plan. That has to be one of the most blatantly false statements that I've heard in a while. What, precisely, makes the statement false?

Just because Google's ambition happens to align with desires of the common consumer doesn't make the statement false. Google is attempting to use money to influence a regulatory body in its favor. Google would love to establish a precedent for their model. The benefits to Google are obvious.

Don't discard reason by denying the truth of the assertion. Instead, rationalize your wishes like so:

Dear CTIA,

    Someone you don't own can now afford to compete with your bribes to obtain regulatory favor.

        Enjoy!